OTOROHANGA NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2345, 21 July 1887, Page 2

OTOROHANGA NEWS.

[from our own correspondent.] Otorohanoa, July 15. On Thursday, the 15th iust, at Otorohanga, I had the most pleasant opportunity of witnessing a double wedding, performed by onr most worthy and respected Maori pastor, the Rev. Heta Tarawhiti. The happy couples were all of high social standard, and of that great tribe of chiefs known as “ Ngatimaniapoto,” the great, chiefs Rewi, Wahanui and Taonui being the only recognised chiefs amongst the tribe, who are well known by Europeans, and close relatives of the couples. The Court-house here was converted into a place of worship, and was, under the circumstances, handsomely decorated. The natives were busy betimes this morning preparing luncheon for the ceremony, which was to take place at II sharp, or rather, as I forgot to mention, there were seven children to be christened before the great event. Exactly at 9.45 the bell was set ringing forth its joyous peels. Although the weather was heavy and foggy there was a great number of people present. Punctually at 11 a.m. the ceremony commenced. Immediately after the ceremony the tables were laid for luncheon, which was profusely supplied with all necessities, and a start was made not long afterwards. After the usual complimentary and congratulatory toasts were gone through the bridal pairs drove to the Temperance Hotel in a buggy drawn by a pair of nice greys. In the evening the hall was lighted up, and the floor cleared for the usual evening’s entertainment, that is, a dance, with refreshments provided gratis on the open invitation by mine host, Mr John Hetit. Music was provided by local talent. The Otorohanga community are to be congratulated upon having possession of such real first-class musical talant amongst them, also dancers such as Mrs C. Hauparoa, Mrs Hunter-Brown, and Mrs M. Te Teira, all being a host in themselves, not excepting the European portion of the community. Not knowing their names I beg to apologise for the omission. At intervals foags were sung by several European gentlemen. On the whole I must say the evening’s entertainment was trie most enjoyable and systematically carried out part of the whole proceedings. Dancing was kept up till 6.30 a.m., and finished with a most heartily and loyally sung verse of the National Anthem by both Maories and Europeans. One particular feature in this day’s proceedings was the tendency evinced by the Ngatimaniapoto to again embrace the Protestant faith. lam led to understand that this is the first business of this kind that has ever been permitted by the chiefs ot the tribe to be carried out here, and that they formerly followed the Christian faith till the Waikato war broke out some 13 or 14 years back, and that they had served their connection with that faith till this present moment Missionaries, I should say, keep your weather eye open.